Fresh from the Philippines close to 20 autumns ago, I was told: “Pare, after three summers or maybe less, you will begin to hate the frigid Arctic air and the snow.” Dislike the brutal icy atmosphere? Yes. However, obeying marching orders like “Bundle up” “Wear warm” and “Get layered” makes perfect sense and results in better conditions. Payo… Read More »
“That is a madman: he does not understand life! The curate calls me philosopher for nickname… Perhaps I may really be the fool and they, the sane, who can tell?” – Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tangere (1887) Readers of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere will remember old pilosopong Tasio. He was described as such in the book but the… Read More »
FORMER PRESIDENT Donald Trump on September 23, 2020, was asked if he would commit to a peaceful transfer of power should he lose the election to Joe Biden? His response was “Well, we’re going to have to see what happens. You know that I’ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots, and the ballots are a disaster.” What… Read More »
So glad it’s almost February. Why? Because March comes after February, and March means spring is definitely not far behind. Lo and behold! Not long after, a sign appeared. What did I see in the grocery just yesterday? A glorious sight for our cold-and-snow-weary eyes (and soul) – tulips in all the vibrant colors of spring – pink,… Read More »
By Marlene Mogado, former Markham Catholic School Trustee, colleague and mentee of Alex Chiu “2021 BANAAG (Philippine) Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas… conferred for their significant contributions to advance the cause or promote the interests of Filipino communities in diaspora.” “Banaag: Filipino for daybreak, morning light, aurora, to dawn, to get light.” Markham was a… Read More »
IN AN ATTEMPT to institute sweeping changes to rules regarding voting and campaign finance, the Democrats passed the House version 220-210 with no Republican support. But when it went to the Senate, it stalled –- like a car about to run out of gas – with two votes short of the minimum number of senators to pass the… Read More »
RUSSIAN PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin told the nation on April 25, 2005, that the “demise of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.” “It became a genuine tragedy for the Russian people,” he said. He lamented, saying “Tens of millions of our fellow citizens and countrymen found themselves beyond the fringes of Russian territory.” “The… Read More »
Pre-campaign surveys show ex-senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. leading his rivals for the presidency by the proverbial mile three months into the May 9 national elections. Strategists say that Marcos should not disturb the political tailwind carrying his family back to the Palace that they were forced to abandon in panic at the height of the People Power… Read More »
Courage in Action is a registered charity helping women coming from difficult circumstances move forward in their lives. Their goal is to provide women with the tools, motivation and hope that uplifts and inspires them to create new or different outcomes. They achieved this through educational sessions, one day conferences with presentations, workshops and activities presented by professional… Read More »
“Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The shadow knows!” Walter Gibson I lost my wife to stomach cancer two years ago. We didn’t have any children. I loved my wife and our marriage was rock solid. But that missing piece of having an expanded family, of taking care of children and watching them grow… Read More »